What to Expect: A Free Parenting Guide by Stage

6/3/23 - By Jessica Laird

From pregnancy to college, this parenting thing is always throwing us curve balls. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a team of top doctors and experts on call to share trustworthy advice along the way or even prepare us with information before we need it? That’s where the toolkits from Connecticut Children’s Hospital come in: created by top pediatric experts and backed by one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation, they offer expert advice on the topics parents need to know about.

In the hospital’s latest kit, What to Expect Through Life Stages, fetal care experts, pediatric physical therapists, nutritionists, and other specialists share guidance on kids' health and well-being for each stage, from pregnancy right through to those tricky teen years. Take a look at some of the standout articles below, from understanding babies’ developmental milestones to helping teens make big decisions about their futures. You’ll find even more articles in the toolkit, so click through for additional advice at each stage.

If you have questions for a pediatrician or pediatric specialist, you can easily request a virtual or in-person appointment at Connecticut Children’s here.

How to Navigate a High-Risk Pregnancy

A high risk pregnancy can come with high emotions. From bringing a support person to your appointments to resisting the urge to use Dr. Google, read up on high-risk pregnancy dos and don’ts from a certified fetal care coordinator. You’ll also find a helpful list of resources for fetal conditions.

Read more on what to expect while pregnant >

Is Your Baby Hitting Their Motor Milestones?

Did you know that there’s a simple way to help your baby achieve their motor milestones? Find out and get more tips from a pediatric physical therapist, plus take a look at the general guidelines on what milestones you can expect babies to hit by 3 and 6 months old.

Read more on what to expect with a newborn or infant >

What, and How Much, Should I Be Feeding a Toddler?

Why is feeding a toddler such a struggle? Are they eating enough..or too much of the right or wrong things? This guide to understanding healthy food portions for kids from a registered dietician provides a framework for what and how much of each food type kids should be eating at this stage.

Read more on what to expect when raising a toddler >

What to Know About Childhood Asthma

Believe it or not, asthma is the most common chronic illness in kids. In this article, the co-director of the Connecticut Children’s Asthma Center and other specialists share what parents need to know about asthma–from risk factors to triggers to when to consult a specialist.

Read more on what to expect in the child years >

Helping Your Teenager Decide What to Do After High School

Figuring out what happens after senior year is no easy feat! With the help of a pediatric psychologist, find out how to help your teen determine what to do after graduation by breaking the decision down into a series of smaller and more manageable questions.

Read more on what to expect with teens and tween >

For more helpful tips, check out Connecticut Children's latest resource kit for families, the What to Expect Through Life Stages Toolkit. Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to children, providing more than 30 pediatric specialties at multiple locations in three states, and through Video Visit. They are Magnet recognized, a designation only 7% of hospitals achieve, and U.S. News & World Report has named them one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation.

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.